Couple are fined £6,000 for renting out house without valid licence

A couple have been fined more than £6,000 for renting out a house without a correct licence. Liquiat Shah and his wife Parveen Bushra of Chamber House Drive, Marland, rented out the property on Vine Place, Deeplish, as a house with multiple occupants (HMO).

A couple have been fined more than £6,000 for renting out a house without a correct licence.

Liquiat Shah and his wife Parveen Bushra of Chamber House Drive, Marland, rented out the property on Vine Place, Deeplish, as a house with multiple occupants (HMO).

But the couple had continued to operate it as an unlicensed HMO despite attempts by council officers to encourage them to comply with the requirements.

The requirement to licence multi-occupied premises ensures that the property is properly managed, is not overcrowded and is also safe to occupy.

Mr Shah said in mitigation that he did not think that it was his responsibility to ensure the property was not being used as a HMO.

Each defendant was ordered to pay a fine and costs of £3,473 each.

Councillor Linda Robinson, cabinet member for adult care, health and housing said it is the latest example of council action against landlords who have failed to maintain and properly license their properties.

She said: "First and foremost the licensing scheme is there to protect tenants.

"We will work with new landlords who are not aware of the law but we will prosecute those whose properties are dangerous or who might think that they can wait for the council to find them before applying to be licensed."

If you have a HMO property and are concerned about management or licensing please contact the council’s housing standards team on 926597 or emailhousing@rochdale.gov.uk